Claudia Winkleman's surprising rule for audience members of her new BBC show


After stepping in for Graham Norton on his iconic BBC chat show, the Traitors host is just days away from her first of her very own self-titled programme.


Image© Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images f
February 28, 2026
Share this:

Despite having a successful career in television for three decades, Claudia Winkleman's star still seems to be skyrocketing to stratospheric heights.

The Traitors host, 54, is set to launch her brand-new BBC One chat show, The Claudia Winkleman Show, which will see her interview the brightest stars of Hollywood alongside the best of British talent.

But, there is one rule if you wish to be an audience member for the live recording of the new programme. According to the official website that sells tickets for the show, you must "dress to impress" with tracksuits and puffer gilets being completely banned. 

Claudia Winkleman wearing a purple velvet blazer and a pink blouse on The Traitors 2026© BBC
The star has been going from strength to stregnth with her glittering career

"We’re asking everyone to dress to impress – we don’t want to see any tracksuits or puffer gilets; we’d like to look out at a sea of people dressed for a big night out with Claudia!" the website reads.

This seems to be because audience participation is part of the show, and fans who manage to get themselves a ticket may be heavily featured on air. 

"She will also be conversing with the audience, so if you want the opportunity to have a chat with Claudia and possibly be on TV, then this is the show for you," the website states.

What else do we know about Claudia's new show?

Each episode will see Claudia, who is best known for co-presenting Strictly Come Dancing and hosting The Traitors, welcome the biggest names from the worlds of film, television, music and beyond to her sofa for lively conversation with the help of a studio audience.

A photo of Claudia Winkleman on the Graham Norton Show© PA Images via Getty Images
Claudia has covered Graham on The Graham Norton Show

Talking about her upcoming programme, Claudia said: "I can’t quite believe it, and I’m incredibly grateful to the BBC for this amazing opportunity. "I'm obviously going to be awful, that goes without saying, but I’m over the moon they’re letting me try."

Is Claudia's new show replacing Graham Norton?

Claudia's new show will not replace Graham Norton© Dave Benett/Getty Images
Claudia's new show will not replace Graham Norton

Claudia's glittering new show will not replace Graham's, whose own chat show has just been renewed for three years. Both shows are made by the same producers, So Television, and while Graham's programme airs throughout the autumn and winter, Claudia's show will air in the spring.

More TV and Film
See more